Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Richard Zocchi Obituary
December 30, 1941 - October 20, 2016
Resident of Walnut Creek
Richard Louis Zocchi passed away peacefully on October 20th from a rare lung disorder.
He was born in Concord, CA and graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1959. He was a star athlete and after graduation went to work as a carpenter in the Zocchi Company with his brothers Frank and Carlo
Rich travelled the world...he loved to fish, hunt and play golf, but most of all he loved building and showing custom cars. His eye-catching, radical creations have won countless prestigious awards at all the major West Coast car shows. His excellence in design and workmanship have also resulted in his induction into SIX Halls of Fame!
Rich was all about the 1950's and Oldies but Goodies. He grew up cruising Pittsburg and continued cruising in his gorgeous customs at all the car shows he entered through the years, with his wife Cherie at his side.
They had a wonderful life together and enjoyed many good times and good meals with their long-time friends and very close family. His sweet, kind, generous and funny personality will be sorely missed and his absence will leave a huge void that will never be filled.
Rich is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cherie, his son Justin (Carrie) Zocchi, his daughter Kristin (Ryan) Denver and his stepsons David (Jamie) Del Chiaro and Richard (Ginger) Del Chiaro. Between them, Rich and Cherie had TWELVE grandchildren!
Rich is also survived by his brother, Carlo Zocchi of Alamo, CA and many beloved nieces and nephews. His brother Frank Zocchi predeceased him in 1995.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, November 7, 2016 at 10:00am at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 3200 Harbor Street, Pittsburg, CA.
Donations can be made on Rich's behalf to a charity of your choice.
View the online memorial for Richard Louis Zocchi
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Zocchi
Sponsored by East Bay Times.
4 Entries
Larry Knutson
November 25, 2017
Richard put excitement in my life the 35 plus years I knew him because I looked forward each year to see what he had built for the show circuit. His custom cars were my absolute favorites. I will miss Rich the rest of my life, rest in peace my friend.
Rick Wilson
January 12, 2017
Richard was a very good friend who always took time to talk and swap stories. His automotive design aesthetic has leaked over to my car art and is one reason my car art website has done so well. He had incomparable design and color balance in his approach to car building. He and Cherie had an incredible 33 years together. The custom car flag shall fly at half mast here in NV due to his influence. Rest in peace, my Brother. You are in a better place.
November 3, 2016
Richard was a very nice man.I found out a few years ago he and his brothers built my home,where I live now.Heaven received a good angel ,he will be missed.R.I.P. Richard.Brian and Karen Duncan
Ginger Del Chiaro
November 2, 2016
We love you papa and miss you so much . Love your kids
Love your kids, Darren,Maria,Richard jr, & Andrew Del Chiaro xoxoxo ❤❤
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Zocchi's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Richard Zocchi
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Zocchi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
